Gaisce President's Award (Bronze) winners - (Back row, l-r) Connie McLaughlin, Conor Fagan, Stephen Friel, Enda McDaid, Fionn McLaughlin, Patrick Mathews and Mr. Brian McLoughlin (teacher). (Front row, l-r) Shannon Hirrell, Catherine Brennan, Rebecca McGowan, Kerri Fox, Bridgeen McLaughlin, Amy McCarron and James Theseira. Find out about the Gaisce President's Award at http://www.gaisce.ie

It's not often that the pupils enjoy bragging rights after the TY-Staff soccer match...in fact, it's never actually happened before...but it finally happened on Friday, 11th May as the kids managed to stifle a staff comeback to win 3-1. The scoreline doesn't really tell the truth about the game; it was a 50-50 affair, with little to separate the sides (apart from about 300 years...). The eventual outcome pivoted on a missed staff penalty in the first half that would have squared things up; the pupils taking the lead early on. By the time the pupils were two up, the staff (sponsored by Deep Heat) were on a damage limitation exercise. Or so it seemed. But old heads don't drop easily and the staff were back in the game following a cool finish from Shaun McGeoghan. The staff dominated the last fifteen minutes of the contest, pushing forward in numbers to force the equaliser. Mr. John Farren, along with "ringers" John Gibbons and Fergal Doherty, bossed proceedings. But it was the pupils who got the rub of the green and were gifted a penalty with minutes left on the clock. There are only fifteen school days left for the Transition Years to exercise their bragging rights...it's going to be a long three weeks!

Transition Year v Staff soccer match photo album (photos by John Doherty, TY)

Fifth & Sixth Years and their parents attended presentations this week on the new system for applying for student grants, known as SUSI. SUSI stands for Student Universal Support Ireland. More information on student grants can be found on SUSI's Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/susisupport. The grant application form will be available from 28th May on http://www.studentfinance.ie.

Class 2A, under the guidance of Ms. Lorna Simkins, recently concluded their creative writing workshop with author in residence, Malachy Doyle. The second last instalment of Malachy Doyle's creative writing workshop took place on Tuesday, 17th April in the library. Malachy began by reading from one of his books, 'Long Live Paddy the Cope.' In it he told the story of how Paddy the Cope at the age of ten went off to the Lagan for a hiring fair. The students then wrote two pieces.

Read more: Class 2A Completes "Author in Residence" Initiative

Pictured with the Mayor of Derry City, Maurice Devenney are our friends from St. Charles West High School during their visit to CCS in March. Also in photo is their tour guide, local historian and retired CCS teacher, Seán Beattie. (Photo by Tom Heaney)

The Pupil Gardeners (Michael McDaid, Matthew McLaughlin, Conor McCormick and Mark Doherty) took time out from Tidy Town business on Wednesday to replant the CCS garden outside the office. And with sunshine and showers in equal measure this week, the flowers are already in bloom. The boys will be back outside next week to continue their Tidy Town duties.

It turned out to be "AWESOME!"...the Transition Year Grand Tour of the Áras finished up on Friday, 28th April with "Dancing to the Musicals", a memorable sound-and-lights extravaganza coordinated by Ms. Elaine Farren. Three TY groups competed in the dance-off. No musical was safe, as Grease, The Rocky Horror Show, High School Musical and Thriller among others got the TY interpretation. Cearly, there's an exhibitionist trying to get out of every TY pupil...In the end, Group Three reigned supreme. For those of you unlucky enough to miss it, there's always the photo album (reliably compiled by John Doherty, TY). And yes...that WAS ten members of staff dancing to Boogie Nights!

"Dancing to the Musicals" photo album

Four Fourth Years, otherwise known as The Pupil Gardeners, went one better on Friday, 27th April when they joined the Carndonagh Tidy Town Association while work continues along the road outside the school. The original work of the boys can be seen directly opposite the office, and is represented on the header image of this website. It is hoped that Friday's school-community effort will continue for the remainder of the school year.

It was with great sadness that we learned during the Easter holidays of the sudden death of Johnny Duffy. Johnny for many years was the vital contact person between Lough Swilly Bus Company and Carndonagh Community School. Because our school has a dispersed catchement area we depend on the bus service to get the pupils to and from school. Whenever there was a crisis, an emergency or a severe weather alert, Johnny was central to the school being able to manage. It didn't matter what time of the day or night it was, Johnny was always there to do his best to help. I recall his great support during the hoax calls to the school and more recently during the winters with the severe snow when I would ring him at 6.30a.m. for an update. He was always concerned that the pupils would be looked after and that no one would be placed at risk. He enjoyed a great relationship with the Lough Swilly drivers. He was great company with a great sense of humour. When I waved goodbye across the car-park to him on the 30th March I did not think it would be for the last time. The sympathy of the school community is extended to his family and friends. - Paul Fiorentini, Principal

LCVP pupils celebrate the conclusion of the Skills @ Work Programme with (front row): Paul Fiorentini, Principal; Louise Hannon, LCVP Teacher; Elaine McFadden, BITCI, Brian McGonagle, Colm Buckley and Oran Doherty from Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Read more: CCS-LYIT "Schools' Business Partnership" Initiative

€500 - Don & Meta McGonagle, Annagh, Clonmany
€200 - Steven & Marie Doherty, Coolcross, Clonmany
€100 - John & Gemma Doherty, Ballyloskey, Carndonagh
€100 - Diane Doherty, Moorestown, Malin

Congratulations to all winners.

Ryan McLaughlin, from Ballyloskey Carndonagh and a former pupil of Carndonagh Community School, pictured with his parents Elaine and Michael McLaughlin and Carndonagh Comunity School Guidance Counsellor Liam Harkin. Ryan is currently a first year student of Engineering in UCD and was the only recipient from Co. Donegal of a UCD Sports Scholarship for 2011-12. He won the award for soccer and was presented with his scroll at the UCD High Achievers Awards Ceremony on 27th March by UCD President, Dr. Hugh Brady, a native of Moville. The Scholarship guarantees him access to top coaches and training facilities at UCD. He joins a list of some of Ireland's best known sports figures, who are former UCD Sports Scholars including the current international rugby players Brian O'Driscoll, Paddy Wallace, Sean O'Brien, Robert Kearney, Kevin McLaughlin and Fergus McFadden, athletes Derval O'Rourke & Joanne Cuddihy, gaelic footballers Alan Brogan, Paul Griffin and Rena Buckley and international golfers Peter Lawrie and Shane Lowry. This was a red letter day for Ryan, as later on that same evening Ryan captained the UCD under 19 school soccer team for the first time.

The March residential was the fourth time the Transition Year students had attended the KEY Programme, but sadly it was the last time as well. They were accompanied by Mr. Sam Bogan. This time they took part in making products. All three schools were mixed into business groups and given a product to make and sell to the public at a Trade Fair. All teams did excellently and the overall Best Company Award went to The Key Scent, which had Ciara McGonigle and Mark Kelly in the business team. On Thursday night, all students were dressed very smartly as they attended the Gala and disco. They all had great fun and didn't want to leave. The other schools liked it so much they were in tears...but not one student from CCS cried!

KEY Residential (March) Photo Album

On Tuesday, 27th March, Mr. Havlin and his 2F Science Class went to Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey for the EirGrid School Science Fair. CCS Online spoke to Nicole Gordon (2F) about their day in Ballybofey..."The event was all about electricity. There were plenty of experiments on display, such as Ohm's Law, and there were also examples of electricty used in everyday life...showing how power is distributed around the country. We saw a projected video on what EirGrid is all about. One girl got to use a big Van der Graaf Generator and her hair was, like...wow! We also discovered how morse code works...it was the first proper use of electricity in the country. Six volunteers got the chance to try it out...We learned that the Nokia text message alert is "SMS" in morse code! Overall, it was a great experience."

The CCS girls travelled to Donegal Town with U15s and U18s Thursday, 22nd March to take part in the Donegal Schools Blitz. Both teams played St. Columba's Stranorlar and Magh Ene, Bundoran. The U15s beat St. Columba's 25-5 in their first game and defeated Magh Ene 15-0. The girls played extremely well with outstanding performances from Kellie McLaughlin (3B) and Eimear McLaughlin (3C). The U18s drew with Magh Ene 10-10 and were beaten by St. Columba's 10-0.

Rugby Blitz Photo Album

Visitors from St. Charles West High School, St. Louis, Missouri, touched down in CCS on Thursday, 22nd March. The group - Jared, Ethan, Matt, Laura, Kayla, Madeline, Kellie and Caleb - will be treated to the grand tour of Inishowen and its surroundings over the coming week. We welcome our American friends to CCS and we hope that their stay in Ireland is an enjoyable one.

Read more about CCS - St. Charles West HS Exchange

Pictured is CCS Leaving Cert. pupil, Stas Drabysheuski, receiving a recognition of achievement from Deputy Principals, Mr. John McGuinness and Mr. Owen McConway for 2nd place in NUI Maynooth's Computational Thinking Challenge. There were 2,300 entries from 76 schools in 23 counties. Only three students in Ireland identified the optimal solution with Stas being one of the three and the second to register the correct solution. For his achievement Stas receives a cheque for €200, the novel 'Logimix: An Epic Seach for Truth' on the philospher and mathematician Bertrand Russel, and a memory stick. NUI Maynooth estimates that Computational Thinking will become the highest-points Computer Science degree in Ireland, offering the skills needed to thrive in the 21st Century knowledge economy.

Delphi Mountain Resort hosted 34 Transition Year pupils for the last Residential of the year. If you're not familiar with Connemara, just think Mountain Road Carndonagh, for miles and miles...and miles! All agreed that the area was scenically beautiful, although few of the TYs had come along for the scenery. Among the activities on offer were zipline, surfing, wall-climbing, jacob's ladder, an assault course and team-building games. The most challenging test for the pupils however was the 10:30pm lockdown! It's clear that not many pupils are used to lights-out by half ten...or even half eleven. But they had to toe the line! The Resort staff certainly take no nonsense...The group had a lot of fun and also faced a few fears, including heights and following orders! A productive week overall.

Delphi Residential Photo Album

On Tuesday, 31st January 2012, class 3D invited Garda Sean Tully into their class as part of their C.S.P.E. Action Project on Law. Many jobs had to be done by the students in the class. The Garda was first contacted by Philip Brennan, Christopher Doherty and Lee McLaughlin. He was also sent a letter from Colleen Doherty and Shannon Doherty on behalf of 3D. The Principal was contacted about the invitation by Sarah Griffin and Katie Friel. The venue was booked and set up by Charlie Doherty, Darren Doherty and Evan O'Brien. Light refreshments were organised with the canteen staff by Ben Lafferty, Tommy Byrne and Aaron Gibbons. Posters were put up around the school advertising the talk with Garda Tully, drawn by the most artistic people in our class - Katie Friel, Grace Conner and Luke McColgan.

Read more: Garda Tully Visits CSPE Class 3D

The writer, Mr. Malachy Doyle, is continuing his creative writing workshop with 2A in the library every Tuesday. The students are writing first drafts at the workshop, and then redrafting their work in class. Below is a witty second draft from Dean Doherty 2A.

No Nose
"Boom" said Jimmy as he got hit in the face by a flying shoe which seemed to come out of nowhere. He couldn't think of where it could have come out of but he was on the ground in pain.

Read more: Author in Residence - Malachy Doyle

Aisling Monagle, former student of Carndonagh Community School, with her parents at the Trinity Exhibitions. The Entrance Exhibition Awards are received by all first year students in Trinity who receive over 570 points in the Leaving Cert. Aisling was the top student in her year in Carndonagh Community School. She achieved 600 points in her Leaving Cert and was one of the 147 students in the country to achieve the maximum score. The Provost of Trinity College, Dr. Patrick Prendergast, congratulated all the students on their success and hard work on achieving such grades. Aisling is now studying Maths and Psychology in Trinity College.

What time is it where you are? Just ask Sarah Brophy, Class 2A. Sarah recently created a timezone wall display for her maths classroom, showing the time of day or night in major cities across the world.

Sixth Class pupils from St. Patrick's Boys National School, accompanied by their teacher Mr. John McFeeley, visited Mr. Michael Doherty's woodwork room on Wednesday, 29th February as part of Engineering Week. The youngsters were literally building bridges during their visit. They also got a hands-on look at electronics. Mr. Doherty highly commended the boys and each was awarded a certificate of completion for their day's work.

Engineering Week 2012 photos (Mr. Declan Donnelly)

Generally speaking it's customary to write a comical review of the annual ski trip, including a handful of embarrassing anecdotes and the various nicknames picked up during the week. While there's no shortage of material, we're not going to do that this year!...This year we're going to let the photos (and videos) speak for themselves. Pupils and staff are again asked to submit their photos to the school library by memory card (or whichever method is preferred). Below are the first few poses and wipeouts...there are many, many others!

Ski Trip Photo Album
Album 1
Album 2

Ski Trip Video Album
DON'T go down the BLACK SLOPE! (A tale of adventure and adversity. Two young men take a wrong turn near the BLACK SLOPE...directorial debut, Mr. Niall Havlin)
Downhill Skidding Championships (commentary by Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh)
Snowplough!!!

4I LCA recently designed and created a new sign for Tina's Tuckshop as part of their course for Craft and Design.
Tuckshop Sign Photo Album

The Board of Management has agreed to develop a pilot project with St. Charles West High School, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. In December the Board met a delegation to discuss the opportunities and advantages of such a venture. It was acknowledged that an opportunity existed for both communities to experience their respective cultures and build links. It is an excellent opportunity to promote Inishowen and explore mutual benefits.

Read more: St. Charles West High School (St. Louis, Missouri) - Carndonagh CS Exchange

Carndonagh CS will host a fundraising Céilí Mór in the Áras on Friday, 2nd March, 9pm-12am. Admission is €5, including supper.

Congratulations to Dean Doherty 1H, Niall Kelly 1H and Merin Shaji 2nd Year, who all received certificates from Goolge for reaching the semi-finals of this year's Doodle4Google competition.

Doodle4Google artwork

Friday, 10th February saw the pupils of Class 4I begin an intensive period of training in Cookery and Hair & Beauty. Under the expert tutelage of Mr. Jim Fletcher and Ms. Roisin Diver, the pupils will develop a working knowledge of industry techniques and will focus on specific skills required for employment in the sectors. Judging by the photo album, it's also pretty good fun!

Photo Album - 4LCA Cookery | 4LCA Hair & Beauty

Pictured are staff from Bank of Ireland (Carndonagh), representing BoI's "Give Together" initiative, presenting a cheque to Principal Paul Fiorentini. The donation of €1000 was for Guest Tea 2011. Many thanks to Bank of Ireland, Carndonagh.

Maybe you have never heard of the 'Big Bang' or the 'Steady State' theories of the Origins of the Universe. Perhaps you are totally ignorant of 'String Theory' or you may even be a bit rusty on Einstein's 'Theory of Relativity'. The good news is that you have nothing to worry about. Just contact one of the group from Third, Fourth and Transition Year who attended the Tyndall Lecture in Queen's University in Belfast on Friday, 3rd February and they will fill you in on all the details.

Read more: The Tyndall Lecture - Queen’s University Belfast (Friday, 3rd February)

On Tuesday, 24th January acclaimed teen writer, Mr. Malachy Doyle began an eight week creative writing workshop with some of our second and third year JCSP students. He began by reading a chapter from one of his books, Run, Jimmy, Run. Our budding writers were then put to work with an outline and a title - 'No Noses.' Below is a 20 minute first draft from Dean Arrow, 2A.

Read more: Malachy Doyle JCSP Creative Workshop

Supreme Talent 2012's all-singing, all-dancing line-up hit all the right notes with a packed Áras on Thursday, 26th and Friday, 27th January. The twenty-one acts - from vocals, guitar and drums, to piano, recorder, Irish dancing and jive - reminded us of what a genuinely talented bunch we have at CCS...While the showreel is still being cut-and-pasted in the CCS studios, the photo album is good to go...

Supreme Talent 2012 photo album
(Photography by John Doherty, TYA)

Renewed emphasis on the importance of second level education was clearly in evidence on Tuesday, 24th January as Sixth Class pupils and their parents filled the Áras for Open Night 2012. Ms. Elaine Meenan led the introduction to CCS alongside school Management and Student Council representatives, Blaine McCarron and Paula Coyle. An impressive array of stands and stalls decked the New Technology Building, promoting the wide range of subjects and programmes available at CCS. A number of Departments left nothing to chance, offering irresistible treats to prospective pupils and their parents. Even some members of staff expressed interest in languages and Home Economics, while insisting that crêpes, cakes and omelette did not influence their enquiries. Technical demonstrations, scientific gadgetry, artistic displays and delicacies kept those in attendance circulating for well over an hour. More than one parent suggested that they'd go back to school, given the chance. That might be how best to sum up Open Night 2012...

Open Night photo album

January's residential was the third time Transition Year students attended the KEY Programme, but the first time they were accompanied by Mr. Sam Bogan. The pupils took part in interviews - being dived into groups and put into three different rooms with students from North Coast and Our Lady of Mercy. At the end of the interviews there was one winner choosen from each of the three rooms. Carndonagh CS girls swept the board, getting all the jobs! The girls were Aoife Ferguson, Aideen Monagle and Kate McCreanor. The TY troop also set up a campsite, made soda bread and went on a ghost walk. The Transition Year students would like to thank Mr. Sam Bogan for accompaning them to KEY.

KEY Residential (Janurary) Photo Album

On Wednesday, 11th January, Transition Years were treated to their second residential at SHARE Activity Centre on the banks of picturesque Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh. The photo album tells the story of three days of kayaking, combat games, hill climbing, wall climbing, human foosball, archery and insomnia...

Transition Year SHARE (Part II) Photo Album

Past pupil, Niamh Kelly is leading in NI Opera's performance of Humperdinck's classical opera, Hansel and Gretel, on in the Millennium Forum, Thursday, January 12 at 7.30pm.

Carndonagh Community School students are offered a Special Discounted Ticket at €7 each.

To book please contact Box Office at (048) 71264455, or contact Aideen Corr on mobile 0044 (0)7917700015

Artistic Director, Oliver Mears, has given this Grimm's Brothers fairy tale a modern day twist which will delight young and old. Sung in English with a highly talented cast, including local singers, Doreen Curran (Mother) and Niamh Kelly (Hansel) and The Ulster Orchestra in the pit, this promises to be an highly entertaining evening.

Well done and congratulations to 2C and 1D Religion classes who put together four fabulous food hampers for the St. Vincent De Paul. The food hampers were collected from the school on Monday, 19th December. We hope that they will make a difference to some families this year.

St. Vincent De Paul Hamper Collection photos

Congratulations and well done to the students of 3G and their teacher, Mr. John C. Doherty on organising a very enjoyable and successful celebration Wednesday, 14th December. On the evening before, they set up the stage area in the Coffee Dock and prepared two classrooms for the displays of students' work. As always, the Classroom Assistants were to the fore, making sure all the decorations were in place. Wednesday morning saw the final preparations fall into place and we were ready.

JCSP Christmas Celebration 2011 photo album

Read more: JCSP Christmas Celebration (15th December)

'The Girl Who Married a Fly' - sound weird? You're right! The boys from St. Patrick's N.S. and a first year English class from CCS have teamed up to investigate the story behind this strange title. They have discovered that Madison Cotton is 14 and does indeed marry a fly. His name is Oliver. He loves tattoos, coffee and horses. As you might assume, Madison's family have other plans for her fiance. Unfortunately for Oliver, these plans involve a crazy granny called Nana Bricknell, lots of insect killer and an assortment of colourful fly swatters...

'The Girl Who Married a Fly' photo album

Make a change!...Make your coins count.

Classes will collect donated coins from their local area on Friday, 9th December. The collection will be in aid of St. Vincent De Paul Charity.

Inishowen Development Partnership in association with Children in Crossfire/Desert Fish Productions presented 'Not My Problem!' in Unit 5 on Wednesday, 23rd November. The play was informed by the voices of young people from schools in Northern Ireland and Inishowen. It explored important local and global issues-such as the credit crunch, war, climate change, aid, debt and other social justice issues. Audience members were given the opportunity to recognize their potential role in addressing these issues and were encouraged to take informed actions; to 'be the change you wish to see in the world' (Gandhi).

IDP's work with local second level schools and Youthreach is aimed at raising awareness of issues associated with development education.

http://www.inishowenschoolsdeved.com.

http://www.childrenincrossfire.org/

Not My Problem! photo album

Read the Irish Independent exclusive

HOT OFF THE PRESS! - Ellen Connolly (on left in photo) wears a newspaper dress designed by Niamh, Stephen & Aisling at The Royal film performance of Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo in 3D' at the Odeon Leicester Square on November 28, 2011 in London.

Last year's Junk Kouture dress, designed by Aisling McCallion, Stephen McLaughlin and Niamh McDonald (all Fifth Years in CCS), has been selected to travel to London as part of Junk Kouture PR at the Royal Film Première of 'Hugo' starring Jude Law. This is an annual event hosted by Prince Charles and will be attended by many famous faces including this year's X-Factor finalists. In fact, we've been told that the model exhibiting our dress will be seated next to the finalists! The dress was selected by the people of Junk Kouture along with a judge from this year's contest - Alison Campbell - for its appropriateness and glamour. Perfect for a film premiere! A big congratulations to the creative students involved...Well done!

Junk Kouture Dress photo album

Residentials play a significant role in what makes Transition Year a popular and successful programme. SHARE Centre near Eniskillen has become a regular on the TY tour and can claim to have all the bases covered when it comes to activities. Team-building games and water-based activities are the mainstay of SHARE, but it's not all about having fun 24/7 (...some sleep deprived TYs do give that a shot). Sixty youngsters doing the washing-up seems unlikely, but it happened! There is an opportunity for pupils to discover and develop new skills specific to a group environment. They can step aside from the day-to-day business of school and home, and push the boundaries a little bit further. Confidence is not something generally lacking in teenagers, or so you'd think. SHARE gives pupils the opportunity to put that confidence to the test. The TYs are now safely back at base; the adventure is to be continued...

SHARE Residential photo album

The masterpiece that is Mr. Cavanagh's Science room underwent further development on Thursday, 24th November. JCSP artists and scientists, Ciaran, Leah, Sarah, Sorcha and Leanne helped each other paint a perfect impression of the school crest. A selection of important scientific keywords will shortly surround the crest. The room has very little blank canvas left and is a fine example of what a 'Learning Space' can look like. Even a brief tour of the school these days will leave the visitor in no doubt that CCS is indeed a space for learning. The Science room is now complete...

Science room keywords mural

On Friday, 11th November 2005, CCS published a volume of verse - Inis Dúinn Poetry Anthology. The neat little booklet consisted of carefully chosen poems from Inis Dúinn magazines, 1990-2000. Retired English teacher and long-time Inis Dúinn editor, Mr. Mícheál Lynch coordinated the effort, assisted by Art Department pupils and staff. The result was a finely illustrated collection of poetry for all tastes. For those feeling nostalgic, there are still a handful of printed copies available for purchase from the school library (€3). The Inis Dúinn archive is slowly making its way online - see here. The hope is that by June 2011, all magazines, including class photos and some eye-opening articles from the 70s and 80s will be available for download as fully searchable PDFs.

Plans are already in motion for the next BIG publication...you may not have heard of "THE GATHERING 2013" yet, but you will soon. In step with Derry~Londonderry City of Culture 2013, CCS is looking for its diaspora to check-in! Over the coming year, CCS will be contacting past pupils and staff who are currently overseas, those who have returned and those who are contemplating the possibility of emigration. All will have the opportunity to document their adventures in a Gathering Guestbook of sorts. A Facebook page will shortly be set up to kick The Gathering off...more to follow...

 Geography Field Trip to Rome - photo album

Recognise anyone??

The dancers of Transition Year took to the floor again on Thursday, 10th November for a rehearsal that doubled as a Michael Jackson appreciation class. The spirit of Jacko turned up wearing his favourite outfit and offered a near perfect performance of "Thriller".

Keep an eye out for Let's Dance updates on the website and elsewhere. The show will hit the stage in April.

Let's Dance rehearsal photos

On Wednesday 5th October, our TYC class went to see MACBETH in the Millenium Forum, Derry. At 9am we set off on the bus, and on arrival at the theatre, we were greeted by staff who directed us to our seats...right up at the front of the theatre! The play was very unusual and we had to really concentrate so as not to miss anything. After the play, we went around Derry for an hour and had some lunch, before returning to school to reflect on our experience. Our class enjoyed the play and the day as a huge success.

Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

(4.1.10) Weird Sisters

Tuesday 18th October 2011 saw first year pupils go to the polls in a mock presidential election. Over a week before the nation votes, the first years got the opportunity to take-part in the democratic process!

Class 3E had designed the ballot papers in-line with the official one, with a picture beside each candidate. They had previously visited the first year classes to give a 'how to vote' information session. First years had also watched a DVD on the role and function of the president in the aptly named 'Áras'.

Read more: Mock Presidential Election - Class 3E (CSPE)

Meet Rolly T. Doodle...a shiny sheet that encourages active learning! But Rolly T. is much more than that. It's an innovative and unique idea from Transition Year pupils, Dion McDaid, Ryan Streete, Gavin Doherty, Luke McLaughlin and Matas Tamosaitis (with a little help from Ms. Elaine Farren). The active learning part is simple...draw and write on colourful and creatively shaped sheets, then wipe clean and start again! The enterprising idea has been hugely well received in local primary schools and order forms have already been dispached. The TY entrepreneurs are also preparing to enter the National Enterprise Competition.

Rolly T. Doodle photo album

The show has begun. Group Three were shaking it out today, Thursday 13th October to "Just Can't Stop the Beat" from the musical, "Hairspray". The show will be taking place in April and it promises to be a jaw-dropping performance. There will be plenty of hip action, lifts, and fancy footwork...

Dance Rehearsal photos (more to follow)

Fifth Year Formal 2011 (30th September) was notable for lots of reasons...Ratpack hats, sequin dresses, red suits, white trainers (detention on Monday!)...and a textbook line-out on the dance floor from second-row forward, Mr. Spencer. The Cavanagh Brothers put on another fine show and the floor was packed for three hours solid! It's always said, but it's always true - the pupils were a credit to themselves and their school. Fifth Year Head, Mr. Dessie Doherty won't be forgetting this one, with a fantastic tribute offered by his pupils. Having said that, a few were fairly annoyed as Mr. D flaunted his collection of Manchester United inspired gifts. The Formal is still one of those special events on the annual calendar and Friday night was a testament to that. Many thanks to Malin Hotel for a top-class spread. That was the Fifth Year Formal 2011...these are the photos.

Au revoir to the French Exchange pupils and staff who visited CCS 19th - 23rd September. Full account to follow...

French Exchange 2011 photos

European Day of Language 2011 (Friday, 23rd September) was a wonderfully colourful display of cultural appreciation in CCS. While it's coincidence that groups of French and Spanish exchange students were amont the celebrators on the day, it's no coincidence that the visitors felt completely at home. A lot of effort went into displays and food preparation in the canteen and Coffee Dock; great credit must go to the language teachers and canteen staff.

European Day of Language 2011 photos

Fourth Year LCA pupils were treated to a two-day residential trip at Toddsleap Outdoor Centre, 14th & 15th September. With last year's Transition Years having scouted the venue, tales of "the best craic ever" were hard to ignore. Team-bonding games, off-roading, archery and wall climbing only scrape the surface of what Toddsleap has to offer. Without a doubt, the two days in Tyrone were well worth while...

The photos tell the story!

On Thursday, 15th September, Fifth Year LCA pupils took up positions outside shops throughout Inishowen to help raise awareness (and money) for Aware, a volunteer-based charity. Aware volunteers help the many hundreds of people in Ireland who suffer from depression. The total sum of money collected will be declared shortly...

Aware Fundraising Day photos

This season's TY activities kicked-off with a trip to Just Kayak in Moville. The group was accompanied by Ms. Elaine Farren and Mr. John Farren. Mr. Farren took the plunge while Ms. Farren spared herself the discomfort of the Atlantic and instead took care of the camera (check out the fine photography). The visiting Spanish pupils were a little concerned about the water temperature, but Ms. Farren reassured them that it's always that cold...overall, judging by the photos, it was a good day out.

Photos of TY visit to Just Kayak

While not quite as dramatic as Leaving Cert results day, the Junior Cert equivalent is no less significant on the school calendar. At 3pm on Wednesday, 14th September, last year's Third Year group headed to the Áras en masse to receive their results from Year Head, Mr. Paddy Doherty.

With a line formally drawn under the Junior Cycle, the current crop of Fourth Year pupils no doubt already have their minds firmly set on a successful Leaving Cert. For some, the work is only starting...

A few Junior Cert results day photos

Visual arts organisation, North-55, together with the North-Inishowen School Completion Programme and the Inishowen Development Partnership are set to host an exhibition in Carndonagh CS on Thursday, 22nd September (details to follow). The exhibition, entitled ILLUMINATE, will showcase the efforts of pupils in the form of photographic works, a sound work, and a film.

ILLUMINATE is a site-specific public art project devised and directed by North-55 which sets out to mark Inistrahull Island's history of displacement while at the same time reflecting on contemporary experiences of migration. Inistrahull Island, or Inis Trá Thall, meaning "island of the distant shore' is the most northerly island of Ireland, located 10 kilometers north-east of Malin Head, County Donegal.

Some open, some not open...and some half-open! It's Leaving Cert results day at CCS and as always there's a mix of joy and trepidation on reviewing the contents of the dreaded envelope, with some big decisions to be made. Just remember, today isn't the end, it's the beginning...so whatever your results, take time to consider you options. If you need some help, pay a visit to one of the guidance counsellors in the school.

All the best to Leaving Cert 2010/11 pupils in future work or study from all at CCS.

Pictured are CCS pupils, Mark Doherty, Conal McNeill, Rachel McLaughlin, Catherine McGilloway and Andrew Stewart with Ms. Máire Mathews (Maths Co-ordinator and Year Head). The pupils were selected to participate in the Irish Maths Teachers Association First Year Quiz National Final in Stranorlar in May. Rachel McLaughlin got first place in the region and fifth overall in Ireland. She was also the highest achieving girl in the country.

You're looking at Carndonagh Community School's new website...Don't panic! If you're searching for something in particular, please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the new layout which has been designed to make navigating (and updating) the website a more efficient and pleasant experience. Apologies, but the content you're looking for probably isn't there yet! It will be soon.

Sitting horizontally below the head logo is the Main Menu containing the most generally required links. Staff are asked to pay particular attention to the ePortal (dropdown menu), email and Skillspace links. All other links can be found on the sidebar to the right - 'Quick Links'. This set of links will be added to as the site develops. WARNING...THE WEBSITE IS NOT FINISHED! It's hardly started...but will continue to be updated daily.

Read more: New Website for CCS